Planning Archives – Log Cabin Homes Magazine

Small Log Homes = Storybook Charm

by Jennifer Donahue | Jul 9, 2021 | How-To, Planning

Just like the three bears in the classic children’s story, we all want a home that is not too big, not too small, but just right. Small log and timber homes have a storybook charm all their own. Cozy and warm, they are a great solution for homeowners who have a smaller building site, a limited budget, or just want to minimize maintenance. With a well thought out design you can save space and make the most of your home’s footprint without sacrificing comfort and amenities. Trend: Downsize or Resize With …

Tips for Finding a Great Log Home Builder

by Donna Peak, all photos: Golden Eagle Log Homes | Jul 9, 2021 | Building, How-To, Planning

There are so many decisions involved in building a home. But when you’re building a log home, a few special considerations come into play, too. Of all the aspects you have to consider, hiring the right builder is probably THE most important decision you will make. Keep the following five points in mind as you start shopping for a builder who will transform your log package into a perfect log home. Fact or Fiction? Price should not be the deciding factor in your builder selection . Fact. Although se…

Building “Green” Log Cabin Homes

by Bridget McCrea | Jul 9, 2021 | Building, Energy Efficiency, How-To, Planning

When Barry Ivey and Lany Sherman sit down to design a log home these days, some of their customers’ first concerns fall under the “environmentally conscious” category. Looking to incorporate green elements into their homes, both new owners and those looking to retrofit existing structures are concerned about site sustainability, environmentally friendly materials and construction methods, and water and energy efficiency. “We’re seeing a strong desire for environmentally …

Out of This World

by Laura Cleveland | All photos Heidi Long | Jul 9, 2021 | Designing, How-To, Planning

If you want to bring an essence of Europe to your log or timber frame home, inspired by your heritage, travels, or just wishful thinking, Old World style may work perfectly for you. Old World style is influenced by many different places, from England to France to Italy and the Mediterranean. Your Old World style can take its inspiration from the sunny climates of Tuscany or the coast of Spain, or can take a more northern approach influenced by a French farmhouse or chateau, even a Bavarian hunting lodge…

Exploring Alternative Energy Sources

by By Laura Cleveland | Jul 9, 2021 | Energy Efficiency, How-To, Planning

Going green is easy these days, especially when you are building a new home. With the cost of fossil fuels increasing annually and the damage they cause the environment more evident every day, it’s a good time to reduce your carbon footprint, save some money on utilities, and make your living environment comfortable and healthy. Adding an alternative energy system to a log home is no more difficult than installing a standard HVAC system, but it does require a different set of skills and equipment….

5 Steps to a Solar Passive Home

by Jennifer Donahue | Jul 9, 2021 | Energy Efficiency, How-To, Planning

Collect heat from the sun through windows. Ideally, windows should face within 30 degrees of due south. Absorb that heat with a storage element such as a masonry wall, a stone floor, or a water container that sits in the direct path of the sunlight. Store the heat you’ve soaked up within that wall, floor, or container. The right materials will do that naturally. Distribute heat from the storage element to different areas of the house via conduction (the way heat moves through …

Comparing Package Quotes

by Mike Haskew | Jul 9, 2021 | Building, How-To, Planning

Building that perfect log or timber home is a process that many people pursue only once or twice in a lifetime, so the benefit of personal experience is often rare. Considering the first major step, which is the comparison of quotes from qualified log and timber companies, advice from experienced professionals is pure gold. “The most important thing going in is to determine what you want and need,” assesses Mathew Sterchi, vice president of sales…

Select a Floorplan

by By Laura Stapleton | Jul 9, 2021 | How-To, Planning

Artistic architectural elements, a spectacular view, or even classic décor elements can combine to create a home of unspeakable beauty and functionality. But one element knits it all together: the floorplan. Whether the floorplan is selected from a design book or created as a one-of-a-kind design by a homeowner and architect team, it tells a story about a family and how they live in a home. “When considering your floorplan, think about your personal preference in regard to style. Ask yourself how you wa…

Putting a Plan in Place

by Mike Haskew | photos by Roger Wade | Jul 9, 2021 | How-To, Planning

The adventure of building your own log or timber frame home is a rewarding and possibly once in a lifetime experience. Keeping that home in tip-top shape is an ongoing process that begins with the first conversations concerning materials and design. Then, when the home is complete, you should take the initiative to ensure that a long-term maintenance plan is in the works. “Take time to research the options for maintenance products,” urges Barbara Murray, owner …

Raising the Roof

by Mike Haskew | Jul 9, 2021 | Building, How-To, Planning

Modern construction materials and methods complement the rustic charm and appeal of log and timber homes, allowing owners to complete their project with the aesthetics they want with lasting, good-looking components. One of the most visible and structurally significant elements of a new home is the roof. The choices for roofing material are extensive, and two factors—location and climate—significantly influence the decision. “What really is going to matter is the type of weather wh…

Buying Your Log Cabin Home

by Karen Doss Bowman | Jul 9, 2021 | How-To, Planning

Sam and Gale Easter, self-described “loggies,” are enthusiastic about living in the log home of their dreams. But during the planning stages for the house, the couple took time to carefully research log home companies and builders. They were looking for professionals that would not only turn out a quality product, but who also would deal with them fairly and honestly. “The company we chose answered all our questions right up front,” says Gale, now owner of Roanoke River Valley Log Homes, LLC, an indepen…

Alternative Energy Sources

by By Karen Doss Bowman | Jul 9, 2021 | Building, Energy Efficiency, How-To, Planning

When Doug and Laurie Pooch built their central Iowa log home in 2005, they opted for a geothermal heating and cooling system—a unit similar to the one in their previous house. The Pooches, who are the owners of Cabin Fever Construction and dealers with Expedition Log Homes, say they simply wanted the same energy savings their customers look for. “We had geothermal in our previous log home and were pleased with it,” Doug says. “We wanted to make our home as energy efficient as possible and lower our long…